Writers love Easter eggs; at least all the writers I know. For those of you who never heard the expression: an Easter egg is something a writer sneaks into a story that’s kind of an inside joke. It’s something most people won’t notice except for the people in on the joke. Let me give you a quick example – I play mahjong. We have a fun group and, once in a while, some of the women will refer to the suit called ‘crack’ as ‘crackle’. If I were to write a scene in my story with some people playing mahjong and I had one of the people call a mahjong tile a crackle, that would be the Easter egg. It’s a nod to my mahjong friends, making them smile when they come across the reference.

There’s an Easter egg in my story, based on a real incident that happened to me, one that will live in infamy in my family. Only my immediate family will recognize it (though now everyone will be in on the secret). Without giving away the plot, all I’ll say is it involves mushrooms—and trust me, it’s a story we still laugh about at family dinners.

You’ll find Easter eggs in tons of books, not just my little story. Think of J.K. Rowling’s clever trick in Harry Potter, where Tom Marvolo Riddle’s name rearranges to ‘I am Lord Voldemort.’ Fans lost their minds when they caught that one! Or Stephen King, who loves sneaking characters from one book into another, like a secret high-five for his loyal readers. These hidden gems make reading feel like a treasure hunt, rewarding those who pay close attention.

For writers, Easter eggs are a blast to create. They’re a way to tuck pieces of your life, humor, or passions into your work. The mushroom bit? A hilarious family memory I couldn’t resist hiding in plain sight. If you’re a writer, try slipping in something subtle but meaningful—a phrase your best friend always says, a nod to your favorite diner, or even a hint at your next book. Just keep it low-key so only the sharpest readers catch it.

Next time you’re curled up with a book, keep an eye out for those sneaky references. They’re like little gifts from the author, waiting for you to find them. And if you’re curious about that mushroom incident, well, you might need to read my story to spot it! Have you ever found an Easter egg in a book that made you grin? Or maybe you’ve hidden one in your own writing? Drop your stories in the comments—I’d love to hear them!